Recent announcements from the U.S. military of the deployment of advanced weaponry to South Korea as part of exercises have been designed to send a message to North Korea about the consequences of following through on its warnings of attack against the South and its allies.

Without question, Pyongyang has taken notice of the potential for a devastating counter-attack from the U.S. with its state-of-the-art nuclear-capable bombers and fighters. But with a young and largely unknown leader, it is far from clear whether displays of force will make North Korea less inclined to act rashly or spur it into lashing out.

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This question has been debated in Washington, with some officials expressing reservations that the deployment of advanced aircraft could escalate the situation. U.S. officials have said that South Korea asked for the show of force, something that appears to be supported by comments from officials in Seoul.

The general mood in South Korea is supportive of the approach being taken by Seoul and Washington, with even newspapers that are more skeptical of the alliance avoiding criticism of the confrontational option. That is not to say there aren’t opponents worried about the concentration of weaponry and how North Korea may react, but at present they appear to be in a very small minority.

The following are a selection of comments from people interviewed in central Seoul on their thoughts about the show of force against North Korea, as well as some online messages. It is by no means a scientific study, but one fact was telling: in multiple interviews on the street, Korea Real Time couldn’t find anyone opposed to the current strategy.

“I feel safe (to see American weapons in South Korea) and wouldn’t mind to see more here. America is our close ally, and I think having state-of-the-art weapons here would make North Korea nervous.” –Kim Mi-soo, 20 years old

“I think it’s OK to have U.S. weapons here. That’s a good way to send a strong message to the North. I’m sure that this tension won’t develop into a war.” –Jang hwa-in, 50

“I feel safer (with U.S. weapons showing up here). That means we have some fine weapons to attack the North if necessary.” –Kim Tae hyun, 13

“The chances for a war are low but just in case, (having good weapons) is better. (Those who are against the idea of having the weapons here) have no sense of what an ally is. The majority of our generation is for the alliance with the U.S.” –Hong dong-pyo, 68

Some opposing voices on Twitter:

“The Korean peninsula is not a testing place for U.S. weapons. Problems should be solved by dialogue, not by power.” –Kim Hong-yeol, a member of the left-of-center United Progressive Party.

“How could (the U.S.) continue to provoke war…why provoke war in someone else’s country…do it at your own home.” –Twitter user Kim Jin-ju.